Category Archives: travel

October 28, 2013 · 9:46 am

A City Experience & Country Escape in the UK with @FourSeasons

Email, RSS Follow

As you probably know, I have a big imagination. Sometimes I feel my life is like a movie. When I travel places it hard not to compare them to things I have seen on the big screen. I’m sure I’m not the only one that does this.

FSUK

Traveling to the United Kingdom definitely conjures up visions of movies for me. I have a thing for the English and their stories…let’s call it a small obsession. So, it was like a dream to have a city experience in London and then a country escape to Hampshire. For me, it was very much like James Bond meets Pride & Prejudice. I know you must be able to imagine what I mean but you might still wonder how this happened. The location is part of the reason, of course, but the bigger explanation was where I was staying.

FPO_LON_362

In London I stayed at the Four Seasons Park Lane. Maybe you are familiar with this property, it opened in 1970 as Four Seasons first European Hotel. Renovated and reopened in 2011, it’s now sexy, sleek and understated. Four Seasons Park Lane is playful but all English.

photo 1-2

Inspired by the 1930’s golden age of travel, the property’s color scheme is black with splashes of red and animal print. The house car is a Rolls Royce.  The restaurant has a wall of wine – all available by the glass.  The staff is impeccable. It feels like 007 will round the corner at any moment – most definitely luxurious and swanky enough for the likes of that infamous spy.  The property has 193 rooms and an amazing restaurant and bar, Amaranto, which serves inventive Italian with English style. I particularly loved their extensive cocktail menu MMMM.

FPO_LON_430

Not to be missed at Park Lane is their incredible spa. The views of Hyde Park are ALMOST as good as the treatments. Located in the center of Mayfair, Four Seasons Park Lane is the ultimate city hotel just steps away from Knightsbridge. Another notable perk to this property is their 10th floor lounge made available for guests with early morning arrivals. How lovely since I typically arrive in London at 6AM!!

HANT

In the country I stayed at the Four Seasons Hampshire, an 18th century Georgian manor house with quite the storied past. Located in the heart of Hampshire, Dogmersfield Park was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 and was the site of the first meeting between Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Even Queen Elizabeth has visited this country estate. All I can say is it’s exactly as I would imagine a Georgian manor to be. Not only did I feel like I was stepping to a beloved Jane Austen novel, literally Jane Austen’s house turned museum is just 25 minutes away from the estate.

photo 2-6

Everything at Four Seasons Hampshire is light and airy, decorated with classic English furnishings – sophisticated not stuffy. The 500 acres of this estate include a canal, incredible gardens, gorgeous sweeping lawns and stables. You can borrow a pair of wellies boots and wander the grounds, perhaps even read your favorite book under a giant oak tree. I was looking for Mr. Darcy to turn up at any moment and tell me “You have bewitched me body and soul”. WHAT??! Let a girl dream. Opened in 2005, the property has 133 rooms, 3 restaurants, a stunning spa and more activities to keep any active person busy.

horse

I gave horseback riding a college try and loved it but if that’s not your thing then there’s tennis, golf, croquet, bike riding, fishing, falconry, the list goes on. The best news is Four Seasons Hampshire is a 1 hour drive outside London. ONE HOUR!! Or you can travel by train from London Waterloo to Fleet Station and take a taxi 10 minutes to the property. Recently awarded ‘England’s Leading Resort’ by World Travel Awards, it truly is one of my favorite places I’ve visited. Between the divine gourmet dinner with locally sourced ingredients to the mixology class and cocktail tasting, it was beyond perfection and I can honestly say I was quite at home at Four Seasons Hampshire and had no desire to ever leave.

I would typically say I’m a city traveler but wouldn’t change anything about my Four Seasons city and country getaways. Well, except not actually meeting James Bond or Mr. Darcy. 😉 Thank you, Four Seasons, for hosting me and giving me the opportunity to experience both. I cannot wait to return to both properties at some point soon.

PS – if you are looking for some holiday magic, Four Seasons Hampshire has all kinds of things planned for the Festive Season. Check out It’s a Wonderful Life at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire for details.

14 Comments

Filed under hampshire, london, swanky luxe stays, travel, united kingdom

Tagged as , ,

October 22, 2013 · 8:29 am

Hotel Le Germain, #Montreal – by @JETSETextra @TheWrldWanderer & @loladimarco

Email, RSS Follow

That’s correct. A TRIPLE-HIT Review!

germain

Hotel Le Germain is a fun, fresh and fashionable boutique hotel located in downtown Montreal. With just over 100 rooms and suites, Hotel Le Germain’s concept is to allow guests to enjoy beautiful views of the city while pampering them with signature bedding and decor accessories made exclusively for Hotel Le Germain Montreal by fashion designer, Marie Saint Pierre. The warm inviting staff, complimentary espresso bar and Molton Brown products should also not be overlooked. With extra attention to making your stay memorable, Hotel Le Germain offers a program called Elite Extras with special offerings like relaxation, romance or night at the movies. Finally, and possibly our favorite, is Hotel Le Germain’s perfect host concept “Gtails” which means taking care of the finer details. Hotel Le Germain wants to meet all their guests needs but also anticipate them. ELITE. PAMPER. FASHION. What’s not to love…

LA    MA

Mary Anne is an easy going traveler who loves a hotel that offers convenience and great amenities.  The first thing she looks for in her room is slippers and a robe, Hotel Le Germain did not disappoint as they supply a 100% cotton bathrobe for after the shower or  just relaxing. Her Superior Room offered plenty of space with a work area and a revolving bed side desk with power plugs close by for charging devices. The in room goodies at the minibar were nice little treats for late at night before bedtime. Her other favorite aspect was downstairs adjacent to the lobby. A complimentary library and cappuccino bar, which if you’re a coffee addict like Mary Anne, you won’t be disappointed.  Overall, Hotel Le Germain is a great hotel for families on vacation or business travelers who need a great place to meet with clients.

NYC    999198_427374964040017_176162133_n

If there’s one thing Erin can’t live without, especially while traveling, it’s wi-fi, and she could not have been more pleased upon arrival at the Hotel Le Germain.  While other hotels may offer free wi-fi to guests, it can often be a complicated process involving passwords and log in names, all-the-while still managing to be an unreliable system.  However, the Hotel Le Germain is ahead of the game, which is a welcome change from the norm, especially for business travelers and travel writers.  Here, no passwords are necessary, and a reliable wi-fi connection is easily accessible just by choosing their network, and that connection is constant and strong.  It’s any traveler’s dream and on top of great service, beautiful rooms, and comfortable beds, it’s just icing on the cake.

MA    photo 1-2

Lola is a Hotel Junkie. Traveling to great getaways and always looking for the fun, Lola believes if you pick the right place to stay, then the rest will fall into place. Hotel Le Germain is a bit unexpected. Of course, it’s a great spot to rest your head but you can feel an underlying cheekiness to the place. Lola’s favorite thing about Hotel Le Germain was the playful “flower” arrangement in the lobby. It was tall vases with simple tropical greens and tiny fish. You might even miss the fish…it was like a playful secret.

Lola's favorite Hotel Le Germain touch

Lola’s favorite Hotel Le Germain touch

Serving primarily the business traveler, Hotel Le Germain makes it easy to start your day by grabbing a quick bite or a coffee on your way out. Since Montreal is only a 5 hour car ride up from Boston, it makes for a perfect short trip. Hotel Le Germain is a great boutique hotel for those who want style, comfort and to be in the heart of downtown.

Mary Anne, Erin & Lola were lucky guests of Hotel Le Germain and, as three well traveled divas, we think Hotel Le Germain’s an all-around great hotel.  We liked the convenience of the hotel’s location but also that even though Hotel Le Germain is right in the thick of things, it seemed like it was in a quiet neighborhood. Although we were treated to our stay, our opinions are still OURS. Rooms start at $210 a night, however, to mark Groupe Germain Hospitalite’s 25th anniversary, the hotel brand is offering a 25% discount on your second night. Details are:

  • Reserve for a Friday or Saturday night and your 2nd night is 25% off!
  • Deluxe continental breakfast included
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access

Valid until December 31, 2013
Reserve with the promo code: GG25

5 Comments

Filed under canada, hipster hotels, montreal, travel

Tagged as , ,

October 16, 2013 · 4:56 pm

Connecticut Countryside Retreat – The Mayflower Grace by @GraceHotels

Email, RSS Follow

Screen Shot 2013-10-16 at 2.55.30 PM

I began my love affair with Grace Hotels when I first visited The Vanderbilt Grace last December and again in June. This luxury boutique hotel group really has the right idea of style, sophistication & sexiness for its guests! So, when I learned that Grace Hotels acquired a new property in nearby Connecticut, I just had to go check it out.

Located in Washington, Connecticut in picturesque Litchfield County, The Mayflower Grace  is less than 2 hours from New York City and roughly 3.5 hours from Boston. I’m not typically one to say “hey, let’s rent a car and go for a road trip in the USA,” I’m more likely to take a plane or a train, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to check out this acclaimed inn so I rented a sweet ride to chariot me to Connecticut. With accolades like “An American Legend Hailed as a Top US Inn”, “Forbes 5 Star Rating” and “Number One Spa in America”, I had some big expectations going into my stay with The Mayflower Grace. I was not let down!

MFGrace

For starters, Washington is a beautiful rural town in Connecticut that looks like it could be in the English Countryside. The Mayflower Grace perfectly fits its surroundings following suit in English manor style. There are 30 unique room accommodations and I placed in the Winslow Suite – said to be one of the more luxurious suites in the Mayflower House. I can attest that it was stunning with its separate living room and sitting area and giant marble bathroom with a separate walk in shower and deep soak tub. The best feature of the room was the balcony opening up to a gorgeous view of the Shakespeare Garden. I really felt like I was visiting the United Kingdom! My only disappointment was not having this lovely room for longer than one evening. I could have really spent more time there.

Screen Shot 2013-10-16 at 2.53.58 PM

During my visit I was also able to experience the delicious dining offerings in the tap room. Feeling British Pub-like, it was as cozy as it was wonderful. I was told of some updates coming soon to the menus and changes that will be made to the dining rooms’ decor. All the plans sound fabulous and will bring new shine to The Mayflower Grace dining, which is open to both guests and the local public.

Screen Shot 2013-10-16 at 3.12.26 PM

The grounds of The Mayflower Grace are not to be missed as well. Set upon 58 acres, not only is there the Shakespeare Garden but also the American Poetry Maze. Big trees and established plantings abound among the rolling hills. I loved the outdoor pool and would definitely like to log some time there during the summertime. There is no way you cannot feel serenity and relaxation in these surroundings and I’m sure in every season.

Screen Shot 2013-10-16 at 2.49.20 PM

Now, for the best part of The Mayflower Grace – the spa!! Sure, I like a spa treatment every now and then but I wouldn’t say I’m a huge spa-goer. After touring the spa at The Mayflower Grace I was certain I would be missing out on a world class experience if I didn’t have some kind of treatment. So, naturally, I booked a massage and let them choose what they thought might be best for me to experience. It was decided I should try Hammam, a red flower treatment ritual with roots from ancient Byzantine bath houses. Using a blend of orange blossom, jasmine, bergamot, amber & clove, this treatment was both invigorating and therapeutic and includes a combination of detoxifying washes, clay, exfoliation, steam and massage. Although involved, let me just say it was 90 minutes of heaven and the best treatment I’ve ever had. Definitely worth the road trip to Connecticut! This 20,000 square foot luxury spa is truly gorgeous and offers full services for their guests. Definitely allow extra time to indulge in relaxing in the Garden Room. You will not be sorry for lingering.

Screen Shot 2013-10-16 at 2.49.44 PM

For nature lovers, nearby is the Steep Rock Nature Preserve which is one of the oldest land trust’s in Connecticut. Hiking, biking, kayaking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing are just a few of the activities you can experience here. There are also opportunities for horseback riding, fishing, golfing, tennis, antiquing, the list goes on.

In August 2013, this Relais & Chateaux five-star, five-diamond accommodations joined the award-winning Grace Hotels group which has an international reputation for its boutique hotels on five continents around the world. The development brings new investment to the property along with a décor refresh and some classic Grace style elements, including an all-new fine dining experience. Sensitively and gradually, these enhancements will be merged in over the coming months while still preserving all the things about the Mayflower that patrons have come to know and love.

Thank you to The Mayflower Grace for inviting me to come experience your incrediblelola_blackpink property. I totally ‘Lola Approve’ it and I know where I will be checking in when I next need some R&R! I fully anticipate all previous and new patrons will find all is well and perhaps even better with The Mayflower Grace! The views here are mine!

15 Comments

Filed under connecticut, swanky luxe stays, travel, USA

Tagged as , , ,

October 14, 2013 · 9:11 am

Lola’s Cocktail ‘Pink Love Affair’ for Breast Cancer Awareness

Email, RSS Follow

No one is EVER shocked when I tell them I have an obsession with the color PINK. It’s a FUN color and definitely my signature (among other things) hellllooo boa?!

photo 1-9

Anyway, given that I’m a girl and somewhat an ambassador for the color pink, I felt it was very fitting to dedicate October to Breast Cancer Awareness on Lola’s Travels. I had already started #PinkMonday on Facebook because, you know, most people dread Mondays and pink makes me happy. So, in the month of October, for every like on my #PinkMonday posts on Facebook, I will be donating a $1.00 to Breast Cancer Awareness & Research. Including today, 3 more Monday’s to go folks!

This #PinkMonday I also wanted to showcase a yummy PINK cocktail made just for moi and in honor of my #PinkMonday October Facebook posts. After the color pink, cocktails might be my next favorite thing! I got to name my drink and thought ‘Pink Love Affair’ was an appropriate name since I do have a huge love of pink.

BUT, I’ll be honest, although I wanted a pink drink, I don’t love sweet cocktails so this was a big challenge. I love this delicious drink because it was fresh & fruity but not too sugary. AND luckily for you, here’s the scoop on how to make ‘Pink Love Affair’. Go on and toast to all the lovers of pink and ladies in your life!

PINK LOVE AFFAIR

photo 2

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz house infused cranberry vodka
  • 1/2 oz Cointreau
  • Splash of simple syrup
  • Juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon
  • Touch of cream
  • 3 strawberries & 3 raspberries

Method:

  • Place 3 raspberries and 2 sliced strawberries in the base of a mixer & muddle.
  • Build remaining ingredients over ice.
  • Shake vigorously and pour with strainer into a martini glass.
  • Garnish with remaining strawberry.

Now I should sing the praises of the creators of my special cocktail. A fine bartender, Mike Dillon, over at The Wild Horse made it up for me. The Wild Horse, newly renovated and reopened under new ownership, is a delicious and fun restaurant and bar in Lola’s neck of the woods – the North Shore, 30 minutes outside of Boston, Massachusetts.

I’ve always been a fan of this establishment but love it even more now that it’s been revived by the new owners. They serve locally sourced fare wherever possible BUT, no surprise, I’m a huge fan of the house infused spirits! Same idea, made with farm fresh sourced ingredients, some of the current offerings are Pumpkin Puree Vodka, Cinnamon Vanilla Bourbon and my personal favorite for my dirty martinis – Jalapeño & Habanero Pepper Vodka for what they call ‘Hot & Dirty’. MMMMMM LOVE!

I truly appreciate The Wild Horse creating a special drink for Lola for my month of celebrating PINK. Consider liking my #PinkMonday Facebook posts during October…I’m glad to donate to Breast Cancer Awareness & Research since breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, behind skin cancers, and about 1 in 8 women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

The American Cancer Society’s estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2013 are:

  • About 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
  • About 64,640 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
  • About 39,620 women will die from breast cancer

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman’s death is about 1 in 36 (about 3%). Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.

29 Comments

Filed under boston, cocktails, massachusetts, travel

Tagged as , , , ,

October 10, 2013 · 4:47 pm

Staying Laid-back Chic at Bahia Hotel, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Email, RSS Follow

Welcome to the stunning south of the border destination – Cabo, Mexico!

cabo

It’s said that the Sea of Cortez used to be home to pirate vessels waiting to pounce on Spanish treasure ships and when you look out onto the famous sea arches you can imagine this to be true. Today, however, Cabo San Lucas is home to big yachts and multi-million dollar homes as well as many posh hotels, clubs and restaurants and has been rated as one of Mexico’s top 5 destinations. With beautiful beaches and a plethora of activities to please almost anyone, I agree it should be in the top 5.

photo 1-8

Finding the right place to stay, however, can make or break a vacation and certainly sets the tone. Cabo San Lucas has a reputation for being a party destination, which, for me, is good only in small doses so the hotel choice definitely comes into play. I was beyond thrilled to discover the Bahia Hotel and Beach Club. Its urban-chic style is completely inline with my vibe and you can feel the great attitude as soon as you step on property. I think it’s a combination of the crisp white flowy décor and the warm welcoming staff. I literally wanted to say ahhhhh when I walked in to the Bahia. This 85 room boutique hotel is located in the heart of the Medano Beach District which means you’re located steps from the most swimmable beach in Cabo, a whole host of activities as well as the best restaurants and nightlife. Having said that, Bahia Hotel feels like a little oasis from it all. Things you can expect from this laid-back property are rooms with private balconies, luxury amenities, complimentary wifi and 24-hour concierge that will arrange any activity including VIP bar and nightclub reservations. You know how I like the VIP treatment!! What I loved best about Bahia was that it encompassed everything I could want on a vacation right there on property. I felt a part of the Cabo hip scene without the hassle. Everything was easy and relaxed.

photo 2-5

Another thing that Bahia Hotel and Beach Club got very right is their gourmet restaurant and bar, Bar Esquina. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (even late-night dining until 2am), Bar Esquina gives Mexican food a Mediterranean twist. MMMM! Bar Esquina uses locally grown products, fresh fish from the Pacific & Sea of Cortez and the best meats cooked on a mesquite grill. Great inventive cocktails and live entertainment in the evenings only make Bar Esquina that much more appealing. I love a good hotel scene and one sure fire way to guarantee that is to have a bar and restaurant that is a destination not just for the hotel guests but locals as well. Bar Esquina definitely attracts a see and be seen crowd from all over Cabo and that keeps things fresh and fun! AND don’t even get me started on the coffee.

photo 3-2

Now, onto to all you can do while visiting Cabo San Lucas. Known as a world-class fishing destination, Cabo also has every other water sport you can imagine available. I took on Stand Up Paddleboarding and a wave runner ride but you can do everything from snorkeling and parasailing to glass bottom boating and surfing, and on & on. Bahia’s multi-lingual staff made arrangements for me to experience a poolside massage, mixology class and an ATV ride through the desert to the beach. TOO MUCH FUN! Onsite at Bahia you will find a fabulous pool complete with daybeds, the beach club just minutes away and spa treatments can arranged as well. Oh, and reservations to restaurants, bars and clubs. Basically, it’s a NO BRAINER! You can experience it all if you stay with Bahia Hotel and Beach Club.

Important things to note:

  • Rooms at Bahia Hotel and Beach Club start at $144 US.
  • The airport is approximately 40 minutes away. Bahia can arrange airport pickups.
  • Cabo San Lucas enjoys a long high season from January to July and October to December. Only September and August are considered low season.

PS – Some exciting news for engaged couples!! For the first time ever couples have the opportunity to say “I do” in a romantic and exhilarating underwater wedding ceremony. YES, you read that right! Bahia Hotel—in conjunction with Bar Esquina and Nautilus Dive Tech—is proud to announce the newest wedding venue in Los Cabos—the Sea of Cortez, which Jacques Cousteau famously called “the aquarium of the world.”

lola_blackpink

A big GRACIAS to Bahia Hotel and Beach Club for hosting my stay. I loved it so much that I want to return right this very minute! I so completely ‘Lola Approve’ it. The views here are mine!

11 Comments

Filed under cabo san lucas, hipster hotels, mexico, travel

Tagged as , , , ,